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Classic Myanmar - 12 days

Explore Myanmar, a country rich in ancient history and intriguing traditions, from the colonial history of Yangon to the last royal capital of Mandalay, the vast awe inspiring expanse of stupas in Bagan to the captivating fishing traditions of Inle Lake.

Itinerary

Today enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Yangon. First stop is Yangon City Hall before you continue to Sule Pagoda, located in the heart of the city. Nearby, you will visit the peaceful Maha Bandoola Park, which is encircled by a number of colonial and heritage buildings from Yangon's past. Conclude the morning at Botahtaung Pagoda, built around the same time as the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Lunch will be enjoyed at the Rangoon Tea House, which has been carefully restored and is reminiscent of the grand tea houses that were common in the British colonial era. Then you'll explore the Bogoyke (Scott) Market, a maze of colour, home to various stores selling wares ranging from art to gemstones. The final stop this afternoon is the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda which houses a 70 metre long reclining Buddha. This Buddha is topped by a diamond encrusted crown.

This evening visit the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda. The most important Buddhist temple in Myanmar. It's main Stupa, vibrantly covered in gold leaf and measuring 90 metres in height, dominates the Yangon skyline. Overnight: Yangon | Lunch

This morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival in to Mandalay you'll be met by your local guide and will begin your sightseeing at the Zegyo Market, located in the heart of the city. Next you visit the Artisan Quarter, here you'll see examples of the fine craftsmanship dating back to the last kingdom of Myanmar.

This afternoon visit the highlights of Mandalay. First up is the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, which holds one of the most significant Buddha statues found in Myanmar, and is encased in several tons of gold leaf. Close to Mahamuni are the Golden Palace Monastery, the only surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, here you'll see the original style and architecture of the Myanmar Royals.

Finish the day with a panoramic view over the city from Mandalay Hill at sunset, the highest point in the city. Overnight: Mandalay | Breakfast

After breakfast today head out of Madalay to Inwa, the ancient capital of Shan and Burmese kingdoms for more than four centuries. You take a small ferry across the Myint Nge River before explore by horse cart and visit the Bagaya Teak Monastery, the Nanmyin Watch Tower and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, which is over 300 years old.

Later continue to the Ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, from the hills you will have a stunning view of the numerous pagodas that are dotted along the riverside. You then pay a visit to a monastery to learn more about the life of Buddhist devotees.

The next stop in another ancient capital, Amarapura. Famous for its textile production, you'll learn traditional fabrics are woven at a local workshop. The final stop today is Ubein Bridge, a simple yet remarkable teak structure that spans 1.2km above the Taungtam Lake. Overnight: Mandalay | Breakfast

This morning fly to Bagan, where you'll be met by your local guide. After making your way into the city you will first visit the busy local market before visiting the Dhamayazeka Zedi, which offers panoramic views of the temple scattered plains below. From here visit the Archeological museum and the gold gilded Swezigon Stupa, which is said to hold a holy tooth relic of Buddha. Close to this Stupa is Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple, with some of Bagan's best preserved mural paintings depicting the Buddha's Jataka re-incarnation.

Later visit Myingaba Village, where you'll learn how Bagan's famous lacquerware products are produced before ending the day at the beautifully symmetrical and majestic Anada Temple. This temple is home to four standing Buddha statues that gaze at the viewer with fixed serenity wherever you stand. Overnight: Bagan | Breakfast

This morning there's the option to view the incredible ancient kingdom of Bagan from above on a sunrise hot air balloon ride.

Start your sightseeing today with a visit to the Manuha Temple, built in the 14th Century before we continue to the Thanaka Museum and a cigar work shop. Later visit the Nyaung U market, the largest market in the Bagan region. From here you'll get to see some of the cottage industries, such as brick making, that are carried out using traditional methods. Final stop of the day is to a monastic school, offering free primary level education to local children. Overnight: Bagan | Breakfast

Day 7

Mount Popa

Today is spent exploring the countryside close to Bagan. Starting at the bottom, the 777 steps take you to the top of Mount Popa and reward you with breathtaking views of the surrounding plateau below.

This afternoon continue on towards Kalaw, passing through the lush surroundings of the Shan Plateau. Overnight: Kalaw | Breakfast

Day 8

Hill Trek

Today enjoy a leisurely trek through the verdant greenery of Shan state. The first part of the journey takes you from Danu Village to Pawke. As you traverse this route you'll be rewarded with incredible scenery, passing through rice terraces, ginger farms and chili plantations. Stopping for lunch in Pawke village you then continue your trek through crab apple trees to Pattupak where you spend the night.Overnight: Pattupak | Breakfast

This morning enjoy breakfast at a local monastery. After your ascent yesterday, today will be much more downhill as you walk onwards through the villages of Kyauksu and Nanyoke Village until you reach Inle Lake. After 5 hours hiking you'll make a stop at Tonele, on the western shores of Inle Lake, to enjoy lunch in a bamboo forest.

After lunch transfer to the jetty for your boat across Inle Lake. The one and half hour journey takes you across this impressive expanse of water to the town of Nyaung Shwe, in the North East of the lake. At 1000 metres above sea level, the lake is a living body in more ways than one, with stilt houses dotted close to the shore.

This afternoon a boat trip takes you to the western end of the lake and to Indaing. En route you'll pass through the busy village of Ywama. After a journey through a tree lined canal we'll disembark and visit the numerous pagoda ruins of Nyaung Ohak, dating from the 14th to 18th century. The pagodas have been left un-renovated giving the area an captivating atmosphere. Later travel back across the lake to your hotel for the night. Overnight: Inle Lake | Breakfast

This morning explore one of the 5 rotating markets in the area (only open certain days). Here you'll gain a valuable insight into the lifestyle of the Pa-O, Danu and Intha people. You'll get to witness the famous leg rowers attempting their catch, whilst learning about these traditional methods of fishing.

This afternoon head to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest site in the Southern Shan State. Later continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, housing Buddha statues at nearly 200 years old this is one of the oldest monasteries on Inle Lake. Return to your hotel as the sun sets across the lake. Overnight: Inle Lake | Breakfast

Travel to Nyauang Shwe Town today and pay a visit to the Red Mountain Estate Vineyard. Whilst Myanmar is not traditionally known as a wine growing country, however, this estate started in 2002 and produced it's first wine in 2008. You'll have a chance to taste some of the wines they've produced and to explore the grounds.

Later continue to Heho Airport for your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Yangon | Breakfast

Today marks the end of your amazing trip to Myanmar. A transfer will be provided to take you to the airport for your onward flight. Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Prices shown are ‘per person’, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The single supplement price needs to be added to the twin/double price if single rooms are required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.

Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change or delay your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time.

Myanmar (Burma) Private Tours

Visit Myanmar's most popular highlights in 8 days or combine a visit with neighbouring Thailand - its legendary capital Bangkok and the historic town of Kanchanaburi - on a private tour that can depart on any day of the year with your choice of accommodation.

Prices shown are ‘per person’, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The single supplement price needs to be added to the twin/double price if single rooms are required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.

Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability as well as time of travel. Please bear this in mind if comparing prices as we always aim to deliver exceptional value.

Please note that discounts will apply if there are more 4 our more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.

Independent

Tailored To Suit You

On our Independent range you won’t be joining other travellers, but will be on your own private itinerary. Accommodation, pace of travel and the style of trip is tailored to your individual needs. From pre-priced packages available off the shelf to fully curated tailor-made holidays, this range also includes our selection of one-night stopovers and short breaks.

Our Independent range gives you all the great service aspects of our Signature range with the flexibility to create a truly unique and bespoke holiday or adventure to a variety of destinations around the world.

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